Early Action (EA) is a non-binding option, which means that if you are admitted through EA, you are not obligated to attend that college. This allows you to apply to other colleges through regular decision and compare financial aid and scholarship offers before making a final decision. Many colleges, such as Harvard, Stanford, and the University of Michigan, offer EA. The application deadline for EA is usually in November.

Early Decision (ED), on the other hand, is a binding option, which means that if you are admitted through ED, you are obligated to attend that college. This option is usually only recommended for students who have a clear first-choice college and are willing to forgo the opportunity to compare financial aid and scholarship offers from other schools. Not all colleges offer ED, and the application deadline is usually in November.

It’s important to note that applying to a college through ED does not increase your chances of being admitted. In fact, some colleges have a higher acceptance rate for EA applicants than ED applicants. So, before deciding to apply ED, it’s important to research the college’s acceptance rate and policies carefully.

Another thing to consider is the financial aspect of ED, as you will have to commit to the college before knowing the financial aid package offered. You can compare financial aid packages by applying to multiple colleges through ED but, it’s not the same as EA.

To sum up, Early Action and Early Decision are two options that allow students to apply and hear back from colleges earlier than regular decision applicants. EA is a non-binding option and ED is a binding option. It’s important to research the college’s acceptance rate, policies, and financial aid packages before deciding which option is right for you.

If you are thinking about applying Early Decision or Early Action, it’s important to be aware of the application deadlines for each college you’re interested in. You can find more information about specific colleges’ EA and ED policies on their websites, or by visiting the Common Application website.

In conclusion, applying Early Action or Early Decision can be a great option for students who have a clear first-choice college and are ready to commit to attending that college. However, it’s important to research each college’s acceptance rate, policies, and financial aid packages before deciding which option is right for you.